Post-match comments from MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE Round 16 Trial against Mito Hollyhock

"In the first half, we were able to maintain possession of the ball but couldn't get close to scoring, so getting a goal from a set piece was ultimately very important for the team. After scoring the first goal, we became quite passive, and our pressing wasn't working, so we made some adjustments at halftime, and in the second half, partly due to Mito having a player sent off, we were able to maintain possession of the ball, and a substitute player scored a goal. From there, I told the players to maintain possession and use the space that the opponent created when they pushed forward. That was our game plan."

[Questions and Answers]
(Since taking office, the team has won four consecutive games, and their four goals are the most of the season. What are the reasons for this improved performance? Also, how has the organization changed?)
"First, regarding ball possession, I've told the players that it's not about attacking, but about maintaining possession to prevent the opponent from attacking. Since they are already technically skilled players, I also tell them to 'show your individuality in the opponent's attacking area.' I think we'll gradually have more days where we can train, so from now on I want to work on breaking down the opponent's defense."

(From Coach Tanaka's perspective, what was the best play in today's Trial?)
"There are many things, but I tell the players that I like to break down the opponent's defense cleanly while maintaining possession of the ball, and that I originally like fast attacks. When the ball gets between the lines, we speed up, and my ideal is to create a situation that comes from a single through pass, like Isaac (Kiese Thelin)'s goal, so that goal was one of my personal favorites."

(Training will now be conducted on a weekly basis, but what message would you like to convey to the players after watching these four Trial?)
"I don't think I have much to say. That's because we don't have much time, and I want to improve the precision of what we're currently building, and add some essence to the parts that could change with just a word, but basically I'd like to continue as we are now."

(So, the strategy will be to control the ball and reduce the number of attacks the opponent can make?)
"I hope to continue working on improving the precision and patterns of ball possession."

(During your playing career, I think you primarily focused on scoring goals, but when did you start thinking about retaining possession of the ball to reduce the opponent's attacking time?)
"It's been like this since I became a coach. It might sound contradictory, but of course it reduces the opponent's attacks, and it also increases the number of our own attacks. Even if we lose possession of the ball, we maintain a good distance so we can continue to press, which I don't think is anything particularly special."

(What led you to think that way?)
"I started watching various overseas Trial and thinking, 'This looks good.' It's abstract, but this is the kind of football philosophy I came up with."

(I think this is particularly symbolized by the second goal, but overall, the negative transitions in today's Trial were excellent. Was this due to better spacing, or a change in mindset?)
"At halftime, I told the players. I wasn't talking about structure, but simply reaffirming that 'if the ball goes over your head, go back, and if it's taken away, the players should chase after it properly.' I think the players understood that, so my words resonated with them."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]